Import guides › Germany
Importing a car from Germany to Irelandchecked November 2026
Inside the EU there is no customs and no import VAT on a used car. You pay VRT in Ireland, and that’s the number that decides whether it’s worth it.
What you pay
Customs and VAT
None for a used car bought in another EU country. A car counts as new for VAT if it is 6 months old or less, or has done 6,000 km or less: then Irish VAT is due when you register it.
VRT
A percentage of the Irish Open Market Selling Price set by the CO₂ band, plus the NOx levy. Revenue sets the value from the Irish market, not the German price.
Left-hand drive
Legal to register and drive in Ireland, but usually worth less here, and some insurers charge more.
Getting it home
Drive it on German export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) with short-term insurance, or use a transporter. Allow two ferry routes: via the UK or direct from France.
Worked examples
Estimates on current rules, registered in Ireland2021 BMW 3 Series diesel
70,000 km, bought in 🇩🇪 Germany for €22,000
2021 Volkswagen Golf petrol
60,000 km, bought in 🇩🇪 Germany for €17,000
Step by step
- Check the car. Ask for the service book and TÜV report. Check the mileage against the service stamps.
- Work out the cost. VRT is the big number. Use the calculator below with the CO₂ figure from the Certificate of Conformity.
- Bring it home. On export plates or a transporter. Keep the ferry ticket as proof of the arrival date.
- Book the NCTS. Within 7 days of arrival; register within 30 days.
- Register and pay VRT. Bring the German registration certificates and the documents below. Fit Irish plates within 3 days and tax the car.
Documents for the VRT appointment
- German registration certificates (Zulassungsbescheinigung Part I and II)
- Certificate of Conformity (CO₂ and NOx)
- Invoice showing the purchase date
- Passport or driving licence
- PPS number with proof
- Proof of Irish address
- Form VRTVPD2
- Proof of the arrival date (ferry ticket)
Every document is compulsory and originals are usually required; a missing one means a second appointment at your expense. A tyre charge of €2.80 per tyre (including the spare) applies at first registration.
Cars that are cheaper from Germany
From 323 ads we track thereNo model in our data is clearly cheaper from Germany right now. See which countries are →
Sources
- NCTS: VRT import FAQ and documents
- Revenue: registering imported used vehicles
- Revenue: vehicles acquired in Northern Ireland
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Revenue sets the exact VRT at registration; rules can change. Checked November 2026.